Move out fast if living in unsafe area, experts say
Photo illustration purpose only Photo source: 123rf
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If your housing area is unsafe, move out within the shortest time for the safety of your residence.
It was reported yesterday that 15 houses affected by a landslide incident last March in Taman Bukit Permai 2 in Ampang have been declared unsafe.
Speaking on this issue, Lawyer Dinesh Muthal advised to leave the area if it is unsafe to live.
He also advised the resident to take as many pictures and videos so that it could be used for claiming process if any unwanted incident occurs.
"First of all, take pictures of whatever damages are in the house and also list down the damages because you need evidence in the claim process.
"You must also identify where the problem occurs and which falls under what. From there, we can ask for compensation from a third party," he said when asked about the compensation process.
Meanwhile, lawyer Alex Anton Netto said it is up to the local authorities to make a determination as to who is responsible housing area which is deemed to be unsafe.
"Many parties would get involved to make such a determination, examples would be the works department, the relevant local council, and the Commissioner for Buildings.
"Once there is a determination of fault, a civil action can be brought against the party concerned to claim for losses suffered.
"Only losses that are foreseeable and reasonable would be allowed by the court," he said.
Commenting further, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents President Chan Ai Cheng urged the occupants to move out for their own safety.
"Plans will need to be made to move out of the house within the shortest time possible for the safety of the occupants of the houses while action is being taken.
"There will be works that can be conducted to strengthen the slopes that are in question, and the authorities will need to advise the occupants on the next course of action," she reasoned.
However, as the status is unsafe, Chan opined, there would appear to be no compensation plan in place.
In the landslide incident at Taman Bukit Permai 2, which happened at 6pm in March last year, four lives were lost and another victim suffered light injuries.
The landslide also damaged 15 houses and 10 vehicles.
